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A 45-year-old banker presents for a consultation regarding her "large nose." Physical examination reveals an overprojected and large nasal tip. She is married, has three children, and takes no psychiatric medications. Her husband and her children tell her that they like her nose. She has thought about having the nose surgery for the past 5 years. Which of the following most likely describes her motivational factor?

Select Your Answer:

1. External 2. Internal 3. Environmental 4. Familial

Teaching Points

She has long-standing feelings about deficiencies in the appearance of her "large nose" and a commitment to change.

This is considered an internal motivational pattern.

Internal motivation is usually the healthiest reason for cosmetic surgery.

The fact that her husband and children tell her that they like her nose helps to establish that she is less likely to motivated by external factors.